So this is Semana Santa (Or Holy Week) here in Momostenango. It is world famous. Lots of tourists came this week to check it out.

They carry these giant statues, or images every night in honor of Christ… I am not sure exactly what the meaning behind it is, but I assume that it represents the carrying of the cross. They even reenact the crucifixion of Christ in the nearby Catholic church. (No they do not actually kill the guy who plays Jesús) and that is very interesting as well. So that is essentially what happened this week in a nut Shell. I hope it makes sense, because I certainly don’t get it. Hahaha…. It is beautiful though. I really like it.

I hope all of you enjoyed your Easter weekend. Take it easy! have fun!

-Elder Aaron Jacob Snow

A procession. A bunch of Catholics dress up in black robes at 10pm, and have a band behind them that plays music, while they carry this giant statue of Jesús or the Virgin Mary to the church… it is actually quite intriguing, but spooky. I had never seen anything like this in my life.
What an honor it was to have the procession right outside of the Gringo Mormon’s house so he could get some awesome pictures.

Another ”carpet” right in front of our house.

A ”carpet” that they make out of flower petals! They are massive, and put these things everywhere, and I am not sure why. The Catholics have not been able to tell me yet, I think that they don’t know… either way, it is beautiful, and they are everywhere.

3 Responses to Easter in Guatemala

Aaron, not sure you get a chance to read these comments, but the designs from the flower carpets pre-date Christianity and the practice of making those carpets probably does as well. I have so much enjoyed reading what you have posted here over the last little while. Goodness, I guess you are coming up on a year. Hard to believe.